Industry-leading UAV manufacturer DJI reportedly has set its sights on a substantial investment deal that will take in valuation up to approximately $15 billion (£10.5 billion).

According to Reuters, DJI is poised to accept an investment in the region of $500m (£350m), which would roughly double the company’s $8 billion (£5.6 billion) valuation in 2015.

The news agency reported: “China’s SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd, the world’s largest maker of non-military drones, is in talks with investors for at least $500 million in funding ahead of a planned stock market debut, people with knowledge of the matter said.”

Story continues below

Advertisement

While DJI has not issued an official confirmation regarding Reuters’ report or responded when questioned by CDP, the potential investment and imminent IPO follows the announcement that the UAV manufacturer signed its largest commercial deal to date.

The fleet will be utilised by Komatsu Smart Construction and will consist of drones manufactured by DJI and outfitted with specialised Skycatch technology, and is the first time DJI has manufactured a custom drone for a partner.

The Skycatch Explore1 drone autonomously flies over job sites to create highly accurate 3D site maps and models and will be deployed on Komatsu job sites.